Author | Lightnews

At a time there's plenty to despair about when it comes to the University of Texas, this year's BASS is a reason to rejoice! New Writers Project alum Sanjana Thakur has a story; so does Michener Center for Writers alum Carrie L. Moore; so does director of the MCW Bret Anthony Johnston. Go team!

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Elizabeth McCracken @elizmccrack.bsky.social · 3d

I am chuffed to the point of unpleasantness to have a story in this year's Best American Short Stories, chosen by the wonderful @pronounced-ing.bsky.social!

Cover of The Best American Short Stoires - edited by Celeste Ng

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Elizabeth McCracken @elizmccrack.bsky.social · 5d

elizabethmccracken.substack.com/p/every-day-...

Every Day, A New Fata Morgana

Barton Springs Early Morning Swim Report, 10/18/2025 & 10/19/2025

elizabethmccracken.substack.com

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Elizabeth McCracken @elizmccrack.bsky.social · 7d

I dislike it when businesses thank me for my loyalty. I always think, Don't conscript me into your army, Wagamama.

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Elizabeth McCracken @elizmccrack.bsky.social · 7d

This morning the American Express representative thanked me for several decades of membership, & my "love and trust."

You misunderstand our relationship, thought I.

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Elizabeth McCracken @elizmccrack.bsky.social · 9d

www.statesman.com/opinion/colu...

After 35 years at UT Austin, I hardly recognize my university | Opinion

What was once a beacon of access and discovery is now fighting for its soul and mission as political attacks upend norms, rules and rights, Lisa L. Moore writes.

www.statesman.com

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Elizabeth McCracken @elizmccrack.bsky.social · 17d

I like a president who doesn't have the time *or* inclination to weigh in on the choice of Super Bowl halftime performer.

The New York Times @nytimes.com · 17d

From @theathletic.com: President Trump criticized the selection of this year’s Super Bowl halftime performer, Puerto Rican megastar Bad Bunny, saying that the choice was “absolutely ridiculous.” nyti.ms/4mMLB7D

Bad Bunny on stage in a beige outfit and fur aviator hat. Quote reads: "I don't know who he is." Attribution reads: President Trump on Bad Bunny being selected for the Super Bowl halftime show

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Reposted by Elizabeth McCracken

Bookshop.org @bookshop.org · 17d

Can’t decide what to buy on Prime Day?

Try: absolutely nothing, and then go support indie bookstores instead 📚

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Elizabeth McCracken @elizmccrack.bsky.social · 18d

Once one of the most famous men in America. Now I think nearly nobody (at least, nobody under the age of 50) has heard of him.

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Elizabeth McCracken @elizmccrack.bsky.social · 19d

Eddie Cantor, My Life is in Your Hands

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Reposted by Elizabeth McCracken

Elizabeth McCracken @elizmccrack.bsky.social · 26d

Hello! I am teaching a course for the splendid American Short Fiction MFA for All, on physicality in fiction. I have a lot of thoughts on the subject. Kevin Wlson & Tommy Orange are also teaching! Deadline to sign up for my class is 10/5.

americanshortfiction.org/mfa-for-all/

MFA for All - American Short Fiction

MFA for ALL MFA for All was born from our desire to create a space where MFA-quality instruction is widely accessible to writers no matter their age, background, location, or financial situation. MFA ...

americanshortfiction.org

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Reposted by Elizabeth McCracken

Nick Arvin @nickarvin.bsky.social · 20d

An amazing graph, what happens when you destigmatize a behavior.

Graph, titled "The history of left-handedness," shows the rate of left-handedness among Americans by year of birth. The graph illustrates a significant increase in the percentage of left-handed people from the early 1900s to the 1960s, after which the rate stabilized.

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Reposted by Elizabeth McCracken

AAUP chapter @UT Austin @utaustinaaup.bsky.social · 24d

A thread on the illegality of the Texas Tech president’s letter banning reference to more than two genders. We saw a similar confusion of EO’s with law and a similar overriding of free speech and academic freedom in the Texas A@M case.

Jamal Greene @jamalgreene.bsky.social · 27d

The university president's letter is bananas, and anyone who sends such a letter should not be running an academic institution. A thread. www.nytimes.com/2025/09/26/u...

Texas Tech Moves to Limit Academic Discussion to 2 Genders

www.nytimes.com

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Elizabeth McCracken @elizmccrack.bsky.social · 26d

Hello! I am teaching a course for the splendid American Short Fiction MFA for All, on physicality in fiction. I have a lot of thoughts on the subject. Kevin Wlson & Tommy Orange are also teaching! Deadline to sign up for my class is 10/5.

americanshortfiction.org/mfa-for-all/

MFA for All - American Short Fiction

MFA for ALL MFA for All was born from our desire to create a space where MFA-quality instruction is widely accessible to writers no matter their age, background, location, or financial situation. MFA ...

americanshortfiction.org

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Elizabeth McCracken @elizmccrack.bsky.social · Sep 25

I do think, oddly often, "I never said anything about prunes..."

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Elizabeth McCracken @elizmccrack.bsky.social · Sep 24

I have to Zoom into a class & be a head on a screen on a wall, which always reminds me of this excellent ad for prunes starring Ray Bradbury (written & narrated by Stan Freberg).

www.youtube.com/watch?app=de...

Ray Bradbury Sunsweet Prunes commercial (1969) written & narrated by Stan Freberg

YouTube video by vson8

www.youtube.com

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Elizabeth McCracken @elizmccrack.bsky.social · Sep 24

I know she was phobic about escalators--down escalators particularly.